After more than three decades on the ESD 112 Board of Directors, early learning advocate Marilyn Koenninger attended her final board meeting on December 17, 2020, and was presented with a prestigious recognition.
Koenninger was appointed to the ESD 112 Board in July 1988, making her the longest serving board member in ESD 112 history. Because of her tenure, spanning 31.5 years, and her leadership and advocacy for affordable child care in Southwest Washington, Koenninger was presented with ESD 112’s Distinguished Service Award. As part of the recognition accompanying the Distinguished Service Award, Koenninger’s name and tenure will be permanently engraved on the ESD 112 flagpole, located outside ESD 112’s headquarters in Vancouver. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a select few ESD 112 staff or board members who have made a significant contribution to the agency and education in the ESD 112 region.
“Marilyn has been a foundational leader for ESD 112,” said Tim Merlino, ESD 112 superintendent. “Her common-sense approach and tireless advocacy have served us well and she will always be a special part of the legacy of this organization.”
During her admirable tenure, Koenninger was instrumental in formulating the agreement to begin the Southwest Washington Child Care Consortium (SWCCC), now ESD 112 Early Care and Education. The program was established with a total of five child care programs and today has nearly 40 early learning programs.
Koenninger served as board chair from 2003-2005 and was chair when the nine Washington State ESDs first signed an interlocal agreement to work across ESD boundaries for the benefit of all school districts.
A ceremony to officially place Koenninger’s name and tenure on the ESD 112 flag pole will take place on or around Flag Day in 2020.
